1
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
knew immediately, from the horses' agitation, that something terrible was happening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in anxiety
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
experienced a great deal of agitation over whether she had an appropriate dress for her husband's inauguration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of agitation
The washing machine uses less water, less agitation, higher spin speeds, and cooler temperatures to wash laundry in a shorter amount of time.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning can include extreme drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, according to the advisory.
—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
The unrest is fueling fraught debates over immigration, online far-right agitation and even Northern Ireland’s open border with the Republic — a cornerstone of the peace process.
—
Peter Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
But the agitation from the fans Tuesday wasn’t about the on-court product.
—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitation
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning can include extreme drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, according to the advisory.
—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
The unrest is fueling fraught debates over immigration, online far-right agitation and even Northern Ireland’s open border with the Republic — a cornerstone of the peace process.
—
Peter Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
But the agitation from the fans Tuesday wasn’t about the on-court product.
—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitation
Noun
-
The cult of Costco Even in a world where supermarkets can stir a frenzy, Costco fans border on the obsessive.
-
Meanwhile, Kelce’s father has added fuel to the wedding frenzy.
Noun
-
If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
-
The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
Noun
-
Three years ago, a then-21-year-old University of Pittsburgh student took Delta-8 and went on a rampage.
-
In January, Ye took out an ad in the Wall Street Journal to plead for forgiveness after his antisemitic rampage in 2025.
Noun
-
With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements.
-
Agents from Hawthorne to Manhattan Beach, Venice and Santa Monica report early inquiries on $5-million-plus properties, raising fears of speculative price spikes and even tighter inventory.
Noun
-
The first season of Beef wasn’t just critically acclaimed; it was widely hailed as an avatar of post-pandemic rage.
-
Depressed dads are more prone to expressing aggravation, annoyance or even rage, Daniel Singley, a psychologist who founded a therapy center for men, said to the Times.
Noun
-
Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
-
Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
Noun
-
Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
-
Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
-
Over several years, Williams and the team explored how avatars modeled on West African masks were able to avoid the uncanny valley, that unease people feel when something almost-human turns out not to be.
-
Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
Cite this Entry
“Agitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitation. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
